Chief medic says Delta variant will become dominant strain in Bangkok
The Department of Medical Sciences says it expects the Delta Covid-19 variant to become the prevalent strain in Bangkok within the coming months. The variant was first reported in Thailand in April, when it was detected in migrant workers in the Laksi district of the capital. The spread of the variant has sparked concern globally due to it being highly contagious and potentially more resistant to vaccines.
The Bangkok Post reports that a record 331 cases of the variant were reported in the capital last week, taking the total number of Delta variant infections to 822. DMS chief Supakit Sirilak says there is every indication it will come to be the dominant strain.
“All figures foretell that Bangkok will eventually be dominated by the Delta (variant) in the next few months, but please don’t worry. People should follow (containment) measures to prevent disease infection, including by rushing to get vaccinated.”
There are fewer cases of the variant beyond Bangkok, with the Alpha strain, originally reported in the UK, being the more dominant variant in other provinces. According to the Bangkok Post report, 12.3% of Thailand’s Covid-19 cases are the Delta variant, compared to 9.76% in April. Alpha variant infections have risen from 86.31% to 89.63% during the same period.
Meanwhile, Supakit says the Sinovac vaccine is 70.9% effective against the Alpha strain and is urging people to get vaccinated as soon as they can.
“Many studies found that all vaccines can reduce the chances of infection when compared with those who are not vaccinated. So please do not hesitate to get the vaccine.”
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
